Wedding gown

Duke Dulcia didn't return, and Blair didn't send Selah any news. In her heart, she hoped that things would continue like this. However, she had to admit that Duke Dulcia's not returning and Blair's absence could be interpreted as a grave omen for the Balthasar Kingdom.

But this man who is said to want to take over the throne is asking me out, Selah thought in disbelief.

Aeneas smiled broadly at her, then took her hand to walk down the street in the city's shopping center. People suddenly looked at them with shocked looks.

Selah could already imagine what gossip would spread in the women's salons afterward.

"Well, we have arrived," said Aeneas.

Selah looked at the signboard where he was going. Madam Deborah's boutique, her own family's, and it seems like Aeneas's boutique too.

The boutique is busy because now is the social season. The visitors watching Selah and Aeneas enter. Their gazes were full of questions.

"I am facing the second prince, Prince Aeneas," Madam Deborah greeted sweetly.

"No need to be so formal, Madam," said Aeneas no less sweetly. "I made the reservation about two weeks ago, right?"

"Yes, yes. This way, please." Madam Deborah immediately led him into the private room. Some fabric samples were already on display, but no one was there. "I was shocked when you said you wanted to order a wedding dress. And now you have brought your bride-to-be."

Selah was shocked to hear that. She asked Aeneas for an explanation through her eyes.

"Oh, take it easy, Lady Selah," said Madam Deborah casually. "Prince Aeneas and I have been good friends for a long time. I can also keep a secret as long as there is a fair fee."

"Yeah… Okay," Selah said, unsure. "No, wait. But why are we making a wedding gown now?" she demanded.

"Why do you ask that? You have already accepted my proposal. That means we will get married," answered Aeneas casually.

"Huh? Like, right now?"

"Of course not. Madam Deborah needed time to finish a beautiful dress. So maybe around early or mid-autumn?"

"No, no. With all due respect, Prince Aeneas…." It was so tiring to face this one man. "I keep forgetting to say this, but please–please–stop startling me–for God's sake!"

Aeneas laughs at this. "Oh, I'm sorry, Lady Selah. Because time is so tight, I like to say everything on the spur of the moment," he said, amused. "I promise this will be the last."

"I can't believe you," Selah clucked.

"Don't be like that, honey." Aeneas suddenly kissed Selah on the cheek. "I already apologized, right?"

Selah stared at Aeneas in disbelief. Did he think Selah would melt away at being sweet like that?

"Now, now. Your Highness, please wait here first. Lady Selah, let's go into the next room to measure your body," said Madam Deborah.

After giving Aeneas a threatening glare, Selah followed Madam Deborah.

"It will take a bit since I'm doing it alone, but please be patient, okay?" said Madam Deborah as she started to take off Selah's outer clothing.

The middle-aged woman didn't say anything when she saw the bruises that still remained on Selah's body. Madam Deborah talked about other things, mainly the current wedding dress trend. And instead of calming Selah, her attitude made her wary.

Madam Deborah's Boutique is one of the gossip purveyors in Mesina. One word here, then you will die.

"Prince Aeneas told me that Your Ladyship has a hard time trusting people," said Madam Deborah after noticing that Selah had been quiet all along. "But believe me, My Lady. I have known His Highness for a long time."

Selah subconsciously hugged herself, feeling the bruises on her arms. "This…"

"I'd be lying if I weren't worried," said Madam Deborah. Her expression softened. "Are you okay?"

So far, Duke Dulcia always made sure he called the tailor at the right time, namely when his daughter was in perfect condition without a single scratch. Now that the duke's daughter had suddenly appeared with an arm covered in bruises, it was only natural that Madam Deborah would be curious. But… she only asked now after being provoked by Selah.

"You may choose not to tell me, My Lady. I also guarantee that your wounds won't leak out. Besides, I still love my life," Madam Deborah joked at the end.

"I really appreciate your choice, Madam," Selah said sincerely.

"Well, that's why Prince Aeneas booked a special reservation for you, right?" said Madam Deborah. "I don't know how you got these wounds, but I hope you won't get them again after marrying Prince Aeneas."

"Thank you…"

Aeneas is looking through fabric samples when Selah returns. He took off his outer shirt, leaving only his shirt as if he was preparing to be taken to the fitting room. His figure with a shirt only made Selah realize something.

Aeneas, who has been rumored to be silent in his palace, looks fragile and weak. She doesn't know if it's an intentional impression or what, but… his body is somewhat too slender for a man, especially for a prince.

Would he be able to take the throne from Blair with such a thin body? thought selah.

Compared to Blair, Aeneas is much smaller. Selah was sure there were no specially formed muscles in Aeneas' body. Because they had been in frequent contact, Selah also realized that Aeneas' skin was softer than Blair's, as if Aeneas was someone who was deliberately taken care of. Not to mention his height.

"How long are you going to stare at me?" asked Aeneas, amused.

Selah hastily looked away. Meanwhile, Aeneas chuckled.

"Madam Deborah, you can do my measurements taken here. Someone will be happy to see that," said Aeneas teasingly.

"I didn't say that!" dodged Selah rush.

"No need to be ashamed. Soon you will see everything, right?" Aeneas laughs while taking off his own shirt.

Sure enough. Aeneas' body tends to be slender. There's a bit of muscle there, but it doesn't feel any different from Selah's body.

I don't know why I'm jealous, Selah thought.

"Well, looks like you found something interesting, huh?" said Madam Deborah.

"Madam…" Selah growled, annoyed and embarrassed.

Madam Deborah ignored him instead and commented on Aeneas, "Wow, your waistline is bigger than before."

"It was not in vain that I exercised and ate a lot as Sir Azel ordered," joked Aeneas.

Even though his waist just looks so small. If so, how small was it?! thought selah.

But that's not what really bothered Selah...

That Aeneas… isn't he too well-groomed?